Which shoes for the Cinque Terre trails?
Cinque Terre National Park specifies closed shoes with a textured, slip-resistant sole for its trails. If you hope to walk in the shoes you wore into town, turn them over. The name on the box tells you little about the grip left under the heel.
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Look at the heel and forefoot of each shoe
The park rules out open footwear and smooth soles. Check the most worn areas on both shoes. Even a pair that laces up securely can have a smooth patch at the heel. Settle any doubt about the pair you plan to use before joining the path.
Organise the change before leaving the train
If your day combines a train ride, a village visit and a hike, wear your walking shoes on the train or pack them at the top. Keep socks and a bag for your town shoes together. A station is a more convenient place to change than a narrow outdoor staircase.
Look up the exact trail between your two villages
Find the section you plan to walk in the official trail guide and check its current status. Park information points at the railway stations, including La Spezia and Levanto, can help. If your chosen section is closed, make a different plan even if you have brought the right footwear.
Your plan, step by step
- Choose closed shoes with a slip-resistant tread
- Look for worn patches on both soles
- Keep the change of shoes accessible at the station
- Check the trail status before setting off
Continue planning your trip
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Take your walk with you: download Appy
Explore maps, stages and elevation in the app, and plan your train or bus journey.
